How To Become an Army Ranger

It is a long and challenging road to become an Army Ranger in the elite 75th Ranger Regiment. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on what it means to be an Army Ranger, their roles and responsibilities, the steps required to join their ranks, and a detailed look at the rigorous training process involved.

What Is A US Army Ranger?

Army Rangers peer over a hill with weapons at the ready

The 75th Ranger Regiment is among the most elite forces in the world, operating under the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC). These highly skilled soldiers are adept in a range of specialized tasks, focusing on direct action operations and reconnaissance in hostile environments.

Army Ranger Responsibilities

Direct Action: Rangers are primarily tasked with direct action operations, targeting high-value targets in enemy territory. They excel in conducting raids, airfield seizures, and personnel recovery missions.
Specialized Combat Skills: Trained in a variety of combat situations, Rangers are proficient in airborne operations, air assault, and mountaineering, enabling them to adapt to various terrains and scenarios.
Urban and Rural Warfare: Equipped for both urban and rural combat, Rangers are skilled in navigating and operating in diverse environments, from densely populated cities to remote natural landscapes.
Amphibious Operations: Prepared for maritime operations, Rangers are trained in waterborne infiltration and operations, enhancing their versatility in different operational settings.
Medical Skills: Ranger Medics are equipped with advanced medical training to provide immediate care on the battlefield, ensuring the survival and evacuation of injured personnel.

Though their focus is on specific missions rather than sustained combat, Rangers are extensively trained in small unit tactics and marksmanship, ensuring they are prepared to engage the enemy effectively and protect their team.

Their expertise also includes:

High-Altitude Operations: Skilled in high-altitude parachuting, Rangers can deploy into remote or inaccessible areas.
Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE): Trained in SERE techniques, Rangers are prepared to survive in hostile territories and evade capture.

Rangers are a vital component of the U.S. military’s quick-response capability, ready to deploy worldwide and execute missions with unparalleled precision and effectiveness.

U.S. Army Rangers from Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment

What Does an Army Ranger Do?

Members of the 75th Ranger Regiment play a key role in direct action and reconnaissance missions. They execute high-priority raids, airfield seizures, and personnel recovery in hostile or difficult-to-reach areas.

In addition to their primary missions, Rangers often collaborate with and support other U.S. special operations forces.

75th Ranger Regiment Structure

The 75th Ranger Regiment is composed of several battalions, each with a specific location and role within the Regiment.

Here are the battalions comprising the 75th Ranger Regiment:

Battalion Name	Location	Role
1st Ranger Battalion	Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia	Primary direct-action operations
2nd Ranger Battalion	Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington	Direct-action operations
3rd Ranger Battalion	Fort Benning, Georgia	Special operations and direct-action roles
Regimental Special Troops Battalion (RSTB)	Fort Benning, Georgia	Support in communications, intelligence, and specialized capabilities
75th Ranger Regimental Headquarters	Fort Benning, Georgia	Oversee operational, administrative, and logistical aspects

What Is a Ranger Battalion

A Ranger Battalion is a military unit within the 75th Ranger Regiment, part of the United States Army Special Operations Command. These battalions are elite, rapidly deployable light infantry forces trained for direct action, airborne assault, and reconnaissance operations.

What Is The Difference Between Ranger School and 75th Ranger Regiment?

Ranger School is a challenging, two-month-long leadership course designed to teach combat arms-related functional skills. It’s open to all soldiers across different military branches. Completing Ranger School earns a soldier the coveted Ranger tab.

On the other hand, the 75th Ranger Regiment is an actual active-duty combat unit within the U.S. Army. Serving in this regiment requires passing the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP), separate from completing Ranger School. Soldiers in the 75th Ranger Regiment engage in special operations missions and are considered part of the elite forces of the military.

How To Become an Army Ranger

1. Civilian to Active Duty Army Ranger

Civilians looking to join the 75th Ranger Regiment can sign an option 40 contract which guarantees them a shot at RASP. The shortest option 40 contract requires 4 years of active duty service.

Age Requirements: Candidates typically need to be between 17-35 years old.
Educational Requirements: A high school diploma or GED is required. Those with a GED might need a waiver.
ASVAB: Aspiring Rangers must pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery.
Physical Fitness: Candidates need to pass the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) or the new Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), which includes events like push-ups, sit-ups, a two-mile run, and additional strength and agility tasks.
Active Duty Contract: Enlist with an option 40 contract, which is a pathway to attending Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP).

2. Civilian to Active Duty Ranger Officer

For civilians aspiring to join the 75th Ranger Regiment as an Army Ranger Officer, the path is not guaranteed.

Commissioning as an Officer: First, civilians must become Army officers, which can be achieved through:

Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC): Participating in ROTC programs in colleges and universities, followed by commissioning upon graduation.
Officer Candidate School (OCS): Enlisting in the Army and later attending OCS.
United States Military Academy at West Point: Graduating from West Point automatically leads to commissioning as a Second Lieutenant.

Educational Requirements: A Bachelor’s degree is required for commissioning as an officer.

Age Requirements: Typically, candidates must be between 18 and 34 years old.

Physical Fitness: Officers must meet stringent Army physical fitness standards.

Completing Ranger School: While Ranger School is open to all military branches and does not guarantee assignment to the 75th Ranger Regiment, it is a critical step for officers aiming to join the Regiment. Earning the Ranger tab through this course demonstrates the necessary leadership and combat skills.

Ranger Assessment and Selection Program 2 (RASP 2): For assignment to the 75th Ranger Regiment, officers must successfully complete RASP 2. This program is specifically designed for staff sergeants and above, including officers, and focuses on evaluating leadership abilities and overall compatibility with the Ranger Regiment’s operational demands.

Assignment to the 75th Ranger Regiment: Upon successful completion of RASP 2 and meeting all other requirements, officers can be assigned to the Regiment. This assignment is competitive and based on the needs of the Regiment, as well as the officer’s qualifications and performance.

It’s important to note that serving in the 75th Ranger Regiment as an officer demands exceptional leadership skills, physical and mental toughness, and a deep commitment to the ethos and standards of the Rangers. The process from commissioning as an officer to joining the Regiment is rigorous, ensuring that only the most qualified and dedicated leaders are selected.

3. Active Duty Army to Ranger Regiment Crosstraining

Current active-duty Army soldiers can volunteer to join the 75th Ranger Regiment. The process includes:

Eligibility Assessment: Soldiers must meet specific criteria, including time in service, physical fitness standards, and recommendations from commanding officers.
Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP): Qualified candidates must complete RASP, a rigorous selection process designed to test physical fitness, tactical and technical knowledge, and psychological readiness.
Additional Requirements: Soldiers may need to complete Airborne School if they have not done so already, as it’s a prerequisite for serving in the 75th Ranger Regiment.
Application Process: Soldiers can apply for RASP through their chain of command and the Army’s Human Resources Command (HRC). The application includes gathering necessary endorsements, medical evaluations, and completing requisite forms.

Crosstraining is competitive, and successful completion of RASP is required to be assigned to the 75th Ranger Regiment. Each step of the process is designed to ensure that only the most capable and dedicated soldiers join this elite unit.

Medical Standards for Army Rangers

To join the Army and earn a shot at RASP, you must pass a comprehensive medical screening at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS).

Conditions like asthma, significant vision impairments, and antidepressants or ADHD medication can be disqualifying. The Army’s MHS Genesis now scans civilian medical records eliminating the practice where candidates would “forget” their previous conditions.

You can read a common list of disqualifications here.

Initial Screening: All candidates undergo a detailed medical examination as part of the enlistment process. This exam assesses a wide range of health factors to ensure suitability for military service.

Vision Requirements: Vision standards for Army Rangers are strict. Corrective surgery may be acceptable, but there are specific criteria for visual acuity both before and after surgery.

Hearing Standards: Adequate hearing is crucial for Rangers, given the demands of tactical operations and communication in the field. Candidates must have no significant hearing loss.

Overall Health: The general health assessment includes evaluating cardiovascular fitness, pulmonary function, and neurological health. Chronic or severe medical conditions, particularly those that could impair a soldier’s ability to perform in a high-stress, physically demanding environment, are typically disqualifying.

Physical Fitness Requirements For Option 40 Ranger Contract

As you clear medical, and even before then, your top priority must be dominating the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), rucking, and strength training.

While the minimum APFT standards for an Option 40 contract are low, RASP is very hard. You need to be fast, strong, resilient, and a great rucker.

Army Physical Fitness (APFT) Requirements for Option 40 Contract

Sit Up – 49 reps
Push Up – 49 reps
2-mile Run in 15:12 or less

Ranger Physical Assessment Test (RPAT) Requirements

Push-Ups: 49 push-ups in 2 minutes.
Sit-Ups: 59 sit-ups in 2 minutes.
Pull-Ups: 6 pull-ups
5-Mile Run: 40:00 minutes or less.
12-Mile Ruck March: 3 hours, carrying a 35-pound rucksack

Competitive Fitness Scores

To increase their chances of success at Ranger Assessment and Selection, candidates should aim to far exceed the APFT and RPAT minimums.

Competitive APFT and RPAT Scores:

Two special forces candidates rucking with heavy weight

Pull Up – 15 reps
Sit Up – 75 reps
Push Up – 75 reps
2-mile Run in 12:30 or less
5-mile Run in 36:00 or less
12-Mile Ruck in 2:40 or less

One of the most overlooked aspects of training for special operations is strength training. Even though it is not tested on the APFT or RPAT, it is highly correlated with rucking performance, which is the greatest predictor of SFAS success.

Strength Standards:
I recommend my athletes hit these strength standards prior to enlisting.

Back Squat – 275lbs
Deadlift – 335lbs
Standing OHP – 135lbs

How Hard is RASP?

Research comparing various special operations forces pipelines showed that Ranger Assessment and Selection has attrition rates historically over 50%. However, this does not include all of the candidates who fail the initial RPAT.

RASP Attrition Rates

Army Ranger (Option 40) Pipeline

In total, it will be well over 2 years of training to become a qualified Army Ranger.

One Station Unit Training (Infantry OSUT): 22 weeks at Fort Benning, GA. Recruits learn basic soldiering skills, Army values, and physical fitness.
Airborne School: 3 weeks at Fort Benning, Georgia. Candidates undergo training in military parachuting, focusing on static line jump techniques.
Ranger Assessment and Selection Program 1 (RASP 1): 8 weeks at Fort Benning, Georgia. This program tests physical fitness, mental toughness, and tactical skills. It is designed to assess whether candidates have the potential to serve in the Ranger Regiment.